There are those few jaw-dropping places in the world that you can visit. If you are ever in Greece this should be in your bucket list of must see places in Greece. It is one of those places that you have the feeling you entered another world, a place where you stepped in another time with different lifestyles. No wonder this place is called Meteora which comes from Meteorite and means “in the heavens”.
A mystic story of Meteora
Skulls at Moni Megalou Meteorou
It is said that Meteora has around 600 peaks and towers and is perfect for rock climbers. Those impressive kart rocks have been home for monasteries and hermits for ages. It is known that the first person lived in one of those caves at least 23,000 years ago and the monks arrived in this area in the 11th century and started building monasteries on top of those rocks in the 14th century.
The first thing you will notice before you enter the monasteries on top of those rocks are the hermit caves cut into the rocks like Swiss cheese. For hermits, those cave dwellings where homes that allowed them to escape the materialistic world and find communion with God. For monks, building the monasteries atop of the rocks brought them closer to God.
Moni Megalou Meteorou
You can’t go to Meteora and don’t visit this monastery. It sits on the highest rock in the valley, build in the 14th century and is the most powerful governing monastery. As a visitor you are able to visit this monastery.
Things that you will find in this monastery are sections which will show you how monks have lived here in the 14th century. You will find old books, pots, food, skulls, and the pray sections. If you only want to visit one monastery this is a must.
Walking between the monasteries
As mentioned before Meteora is perfect for rock climbers. However also if you are more into hiking this place will give you whatever you need. I would recommend to take a taxi to Moni Megalou Meteorou.
From this monastery you are able to follow the road and visit different monasteries along the way. Just before the last monastery you will find a footpath that brings you back to the village Kalambaka.
How to get to Meteora
For all the practical information you need visit the Visit Meteora website.
By train
There is a direct train from Athens to Kalambaka and from Thessanoliki to Kalambaka. When I was there I just bought my ticket on the station, during holiday season it good be maybe smart to reserve your tickets in advance.
By bus
From Larrisa Bus Station in Athens you can take a bus to Trikala bus station. From Trikala transfer to the local Kalambaka bus. You’re dropped off in the middle of the town.
